DAILY RECOrd Saturday, February 22, 2014

PAGE 41

m.harvey@dailyrecord.co.uk

Late deals

Flying from Glasgow on August 30, seven nights in Alvor, Algarve, staying at the three-star Alvor Ferias on self-catering basis, from 339 per person. Flying from Glasgow on September 19, seven nights in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, staying at the three-star Wela Hotel on all-inclusive basis, from 399 per person. Flying from Glasgow on October 19, seven nights in Antalya, Turkey, staying at the fourstar Topkapi on all-inclusive basis, from 559pp. For these and other deals log on to www. barrheadtravel.co.uk or call 0141 222 2223.

PIER-ING INTO SPACE Calm day in Bay of Biscay off Noirmoutier

Youll find nobody Duis-dale it better

ISLAND IDYLL Cycling is a great way to get round on Noirmoutier

PLUSH Beautiful setting of Duisdale Hotel

IN THEVENDE
SPECTACULAR The Viking show at the excellent Puy du Fou park

Facts..
Mark travelled courtesy of Vendee Tourism. For travel and tourism details about Vende, visit the website www.vendee-tourisme.com Direct flights to Nantes available from Scottish airports.

out on the vast and gorgeous lake nearby, a nautical centre hires out sailing and electric boats, plus canoes and kayaks. Just north of Mervent is the beautiful village of Vouvant. Like so many other French villages, it has narrow cobbled streets, picturesque stone houses with painted shutters and a stunning church dating back hundreds of years. What makes this village different is that many Britons have moved here and their presence is obvious in the British-run art galleries and cafes, including the Caf Cour du Miracle, which serves English tea and cake. One house had a Saltire in the window, though sadly the owners werent at home to show me round their Petite Ecosse. For a completely different and not be missed experience there is the award-winning medieval theme park Puy du Fou, which attracts 1.5million visitors a year. It doesnt aim to compete with the glitter and stardust of Disney, instead attempting to bring to life 2000 years of history with some truly spectacular outdoor and indoor shows. There are no rides but there is a

Viking longship attacking a village, the siege of a Middle Ages castle and, best of all, a 7000-seater Roman amphitheatre. In a dazzling show, I witnessed spectacular Ben Hur-style chariot races, armed gladiators fighting each other and Christians (almost) being fed to real-life lions. Even the Three Musketeers and the dastardly Cardinal Richelieu made an appearance in a show that concluded with horses dancing on water. Puy du Fou also has its own falconry show and 150 birds of prey, including eagles, falcons and owls, fly simultaneously over the heads of the crowd. With an audio guide in English, there is no language barrier. The parks staff are very proud that Puy du Fou won a major tourism award in Los Angeles a couple of years ago, and rightly so. It may not be as well-known as Disneyland Paris but, having been to both, I can confirm that it is just as entertaining. The Puy du Fou experience ends with a spectacular night-time show, where more than 1000 actors bring the regions history to life. It is also a fitting end to a visit to the Vende, which has something for everyone.

IT might surprise most Scots that the Best Small Hotel in the UK is nestled away on the Isle of Skye. But not anyone who has enjoyed a stay at the 18-bedroom boutique hotel the Duisdale. Its owners were recently awarded the top gong at a glamorous International Hotel Awards bash in Londons Grosvenor House. And after spending two nights at the refurbished Victorian lodge, overlooking the stunning Sound of Sleat, its easy to see how the judges were won over by the picturesque setting, warm hospitality and the real sense of escapism. The interior of the building, which dates back to 1867, strikes a wonderful balance with its cosy coal fires and four-poster beds complimenting the modern touches of a glass breakfast room and outdoor sauna. And the Highlands hospitality is also fitting in such a peaceful retreat, with relaxed staff who are more than happy to recommend local attractions or stoke up the fire as guests take full advantage of the hotels welcoming sofas. In fact, the only stress of staying at the hotel is deciding what to choose

reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk

GAVIN MCINALLY

on the varied food and wine menus. Breakfast is a real occasion at the Duisdale, with several courses of cereal, fruit and breads, and a traditional fry-up on with an assortment of home-made condiments and even a dram a whisky for those who enjoy their porridge with a kick. At night, theres the choice of a posh pub grub style meal in the less formal Chart Room or a fine dining experience in the two AA rosetteawarded restaurant. The latter costs 45 per person. But with the likes of Mallaig monkfish, handdived island scallops, Perthshire pigeon breast and Clan Donald venison being served up, the menu is worth every penny and the chance to retire to the lounge to enjoy coffee in comfort is a luxury most Michelinstarred eateries cannot compete with. If the Duisdale is fully booked, visitors are recommended to try its nearby sister hotel Toravaig House, also owned and run by Anne Gracie and Ken Gunn. But for the full fivestar treatment, Duisdale is worth it. Just make sure you book early.

Facts..

Gavin stayed courtesy of the Duisdale House Hotel. For more info log on to www.duisdale. com, call 01471 833202 or email info@duisdale.com

LUXURYFour-poster bed